in an interview, shia tried to shift the conversation to one about art and creativity in the age of mechanical reproduction, and how corporate it is to claim to “own” an idea.

unfortunately he came to this thinking after his financial success. if this was first-year art school, he would have been expelled. art has to have a thesis, and it has to be accountable. you can’t not turn in your art homework, then claim the whole point was to make a high-concept statement about not turning in your homework.

shia would also say this is real art because look how much attention it’s getting, and the conversations it’s starting. if i scream fire in a crowded building, i will be paid attention. the problem is, eventually, someone calls in the police to make me stop.